The Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The IT Support Professional Certificate, developed by Google and hosted on Coursera, can help you become ready for an entry-level job in IT support in under six months. No experience is necessary.
VA Releases Survivors Quick Start Guide
Reference guide to help during final
arrangements planning
What You Should Know about Disability and Debt
There Are Protections...When it comes to debt collection, disability income enjoys special status.
How to ensure seamless care while traveling
Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website
We’re there to provide comfort during difficult times
7 Changes to Social Security in 2020
From what beneficiaries will be paid to what workers
could owe in payroll tax, big changes are
Veteran Disability Claims: Nexus and IMO Letters
To meet the nexus requirement, the veteran must have an evaluation by a physician that will establish that the veteran is indeed disabled and also that his disability is as likely as not caused by his military service. There are two methods used to establish such a nexus; one is independent medical examination and the other is independent medical opinion.
Proposed Rule - Schedule for Rating Disabilities
The Genitourinary Diseases and Conditions
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend the portion of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses the genitourinary system.
How about Medicare Parts A and B?
Maybe Part F+? Part D?
Oh, unless you live in
Massachusetts, Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Confused? Just wait until you hear about
programs such as Medicare
Part C or a Medicare Advantage policy.
It's Your Right To See Your Medical Records.
It Shouldn't Be This Hard To Do
At a time when many insurers and health information technology companies are busily assembling databases
of hundreds of millions of medical records, Americans
find it difficult to get access to their own.
No-Cost Flu Shot Options for Veterans
This year, enrolled Veterans of the VA health care system have several options to get a flu shot. VA now offers more options, easy access, and seamless records.
your disability claim
If you’ve filed a claim for disability compensation, you can continue uploading more evidence for up to one year to support your claim. Evidence may include supporting documents like medical test results, doctor’s reports, and other records. Upload your evidence online now.
An IMO by an expert often makes the difference!
Overpayment? VA proposing to claw back
money from your benefits? Submit a Compromise Offer to the Debt Management Center.
Give veterans more health care options!
Tell your lawmaker
Veterans deserve more choice
Medical Marijuana Card
Tell the doctor you saw it on VAWatchdog
and ask about veterans discounts!
Government Accountability Office
Focus Needed to Prevent Disqualified Providers from Delivering
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Additional information needed to support claim
Direct Deposit - May I apply by telephone?
Why Getting a Diagnosis Matters
A diagnosis does so much more than get noted in your medical history. It also can help you apply for programs like Social Security Disability and medical marijuana cards. And maybe even more importantly, it can help you explain yourself to friends, colleagues and family.
I did that for years & it's
the best thing ever. Get
into the belly of the beast.
Do You Need
Medical Care
RIGHT NOW?
You are already authorized
to use an urgent
care clinic!
The VAWatchdog
doesn't ask for donations, we don't have fees, we don't ask you to register...you can't find a way to give us your money. We're supported by advertising. When you shop via the VAWatchdog,
we'll get a small piece of that.
You get top quality at a good price and you support our mission.
Thank you!!!
Create or update your will fast / 100% free
Make your will with FreeWill today
Healthcare directives,
proxies, living wills and durable financial power of attorney.
All are free to use.
Is your disability pay fair game in a divorce?
(Yeah, it is...)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Launchpad
App for Veterans (VA Launchpad) contains select VA applications (apps) for Veterans and their Caregivers.
New apps will automatically appear in the VA Launchpad when they become available. Organizing VA health information and resources into five categories, it quickly accesses and launches the VA app of your choice. With VA Launchpad, VA intends to save you time and help you better integrate available VA apps into your life.
4 Facts About Your Social Security
Benefits You May Not Know
Arming yourself with knowledge about the
complicated benefits process will
help you better prepare for retirement.
The Schedule For Rating Disabilities
If you're thinking of filing a claim or initiating an appeal of a denied claim, this is your new best friend. The details of exactly what you need to meet a rating are here and in use every day. Yes, it's complex. Yes, it's cumbersome. Yes, knowing how to use The Schedule is a necessity if you want to file a successful claim. Go for it!
Vets being duped by Social Security rumor mill
Owe VA Money???
To Loneliness And Isolation For Seniors
Did you know that hearing loss and tinnitus are the
most commonly rated veterans disabilities? Did you
know that hearing loss and tinnitus can cause
other secondary conditions, particularly mental
health problems like depression and loneliness?
Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits
and a member of the Stateside Legal Website Advisory Board. Jim's Mailbag, is a regular column where veterans,
servicemembers, and family members can ask Jim their questions about VA and Social Security disability benefits.
You can browse all of these Q&As here, and search the Jim's Mailbag archives for helpful answers.
Email Jim your question for a quick and confidential reply. jim912@gmail.com
Let's Review Effective Dates
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 5,
Section C - Effective Dates
The general rule is that the effective date is assigned based on the date of receipt of claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later. Before applying the general rule, however, all information gathered during evidence review must be considered to determine whether a more specific effective date rule applies.
Effective Dates for Claims for Increased Compensation
Impact of Intent to File (ITF) on Effective Date
Claims for Earlier Effective Dates
Effective Dates for Direct and Secondary
In some situations, different theories of entitlement allow for assignment of different effective dates. In such cases, consider each effective date rule when assigning an effective date and assign the most advantageous effective date that applies for the facts of the case.
This year Alabama, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and
Pennsylvania--reinstated the reconsideration.
Everything you ever wanted to know about how
the VA benefits system works but were afraid to ask.
Welcome to the
The Users Guide
VAWatchdog Dot Org
VAWatchdog Dot Org
Just who do you think you are?
Stats about veterans.
Percent of U.S. adult population who are veterans in 2017, by state
Employment Data for Veterans With Disabilities
Employment Situation of Veterans Summary
Immigrant Veterans in the United States
Demographics of the U.S. Military
Veterans and Military Documents
Military Programs and Benefits
Research A Veteran
Tobacco Use in the Military
Facts on Veterans and Entrepreneurship
American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics
Tinnitus and hearing loss among
Veteran Social Security Beneficiaries
Veteran-Owned Businesses and Their Owners
48 Interesting U.S. Military Facts
The American Veteran Experience and the Post-9/11 Generation
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics - Quick Facts
Global Firepower - 2019 World Military Strength Rankings
PAPER Evidence Records
and Claims All Go Here
V A Claims Intake Center
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI
53547- 4444
Toll Free Fax:
844-531-7818
Military Records DD 214
Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs)
Official Personnel Folders (OPF)
Can VA Disability Compensation Be Used
to Calculate Child Support or Income?
Veterans' disability benefits are compensation for
the veteran's impaired earning capacity and are intended to "provide reasonable and adequate compensation for disabled veterans and their families." They are not supposed to be for the sole support of the veteran, but can be counted in child support calculations to provide for the veteran's dependents as well. If the veteran wasn't disabled, he would be earning an income upon which the court would base child support; since disability benefits replace that income, child support can be based upon it.
Why You Need An IMO!
Accuracy of Claims Decisions Involving
The OIG determined that VBA incorrectly
processed more than half
of the 62,500 veterans’ claims.
You've Arrived at the VAWatchdog Dot Org!
Welcome Home
We've been keeping veterans informed of news and events important to them since 2005.
You'll find all you need to file your claim and referrals to professionals who can help you when things don't go well.
What you won't find here is unending chat or opinions from strangers who like to think of themselves as experts.
Our goal is to ensure that you are awarded the benefits you earned with your service to our country.
We're here to help you take charge of your benefits, and that is all.
Extra schedular ratings under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)
How can I get an extra schedular rating?
To receive an extra schedular rating the veteran must first show that the veteran’s conditions result in a disability picture that is not covered by the schedule of ratings.
Gregory M. Rada - A Veteran for Veterans
Focusing on appeals involving psychiatric conditions
and/or individual unemployability (TDIU)
Proven Results • Direct Communication • No Fees Unless You Win
Nationwide Representation
Free Phone Consultations - (844) 838-7529
Veterans to Congress: End Forever Wars
George W. Bush’s War on Terror began eighteen years ago, with no initiative on the part of the U.S. government to bring it to a conclusion. In those two decades, Americans have spent $6.4 trillion and lost seven thousand soldiers.
If you are an honorably discharged veteran, you served your country well and you earned
certain benefits. Sad to say, sometimes it can be difficult for the veteran to obtain the earned
benefits guaranteed by law. Veterans need a recognized medical expert who knows the VA
system. As a disabled veteran himself and a respected, board certified physician, Dr. Bash fits the
need—and adds even further insight as a VA-accredited service organization representative.
Call 925-381-7561 Email drbash@doctor.com
Independent Medical Opinions
Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQ's)
Service & Civilian Medical Record Reviews
Nexus Letters
President Trump is Damaging Our Military
War Crimes Cases are the Latest Example
Early Problems as Trump’s Signature
Veterans’ Health Plan Rolls Out
Officials administering the plan said they were unable
to guarantee a network large enough to accommodate
all the veterans who may seek care.
Navy Wants to Eject From SEALs
a Sailor Cleared by Trump, Officials Say
Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher is expected to be formally notified of the action on Wednesday.
How Much Can I Earn Without Losing
My Social Security?
The amount you can earn will depend on your
age and through which program you're
getting Social Security benefits.
January’s new military shopping benefit
delayed for tens of thousands of veterans
The Defense Department has apparently pulled back on a plan that would have allowed access to veterans who are eligible for this benefit, regardless of whether they are eligible for the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).
Has VA medical care caused you an injury or other harm?
You can sue the VA for medical malpractice but it's a complex process and you'll want lawyers who have
done this successfully in the past. There are strict time limits and draconian regulations to follow.
Get some advice today...call now!
Drew Early Veterans Law Attorney
Graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point
Adjunct Professor - Emory University Law School
20 Years Army Service - Airborne - Explosive Ordnance Badge
Free Case Review - Nationwide Representation
BVA/DRO Appeals - Fiduciary & Caregiver Issues, Trusts, Wills
Appeals of Veterans & Survivor Claims
(770) 939-1939
How Veterans Affairs denies care to many of
the people it’s supposed to serve
These are people who put their bodies
and minds in harm’s way for their country.
Veterans React To 3 Controversial
Pardons Issued By President Trump
The only thing they have in common, really, is
that they were in cold blood. There was
no heat of battle with any of these three.
Veterans looking for answers as new data
shows rise in cancers over two decades of war
“I got cancer because of my service in the military,” Ho said. “There could be hundreds, thousands of veterans behind me getting cancer.”
Trump’s big veterans health care plan has hit a snag
Narrow networks are an issue for many Americans.
Now they’re affecting vets.
PTSD, MST, TBI,
Agent Orange Exposure, Back Injuries
Gulf War Syndrome, Migraines, Heart & Vascular Disease,
DIC, Unemployability TDIU
Free Veterans Disability Consultation! Call Now! (800) 742-5035
Roger Hale, Veterans Law Attorney
Personal Injury Lawyer - Free Consultation For Veterans
Industrial Accidents Nursing Home Negligence Car Accidents
Workers Compensation Veterans Law
Pain & Suffering Emotional & Mental Anguish
(405) 531-9983
Suspicious Deaths at Our Veteran’s Hospitals
The press reported on suspicious deaths at VA
medical centers. What's going on?
How the 2020 Democrats Plan to Help Veterans
Democratic presidential candidates want to
provide veterans with better health care
and increase their access to education and jobs.
Pete Buttigieg said a woman should lead the V.A.
VA Issues Eviction Notices to Unions at Its Facilities
Unions can keep office space if they pay their "fair share," VA says as it implements Trump's executive orders.
Meaningful Work Is the Best Therapy
One blogger explains why being denied Social
Security Disability Income was one of the most
important things that led to his recovery from serious mental illness; that, while having a social safety net
is important to help people get back on their feet, having meaningful work of some sort is what’s crucial to “heal, and to regain productivity and independence.”
Veterans Law At Your Service
PTSD and other mental impairments
Military Sexual Trauma
Traumatic Brain Injury
Agent Orange exposure
Camp Lejeune water contamination
Gulf War Syndrome
Asbestos or Radiation exposure
Federal Tort Claims/Title 38 U.S.C. 1151
Also known as FTCA and Section 1151 Claims
844 244 VETS (8387)
Senate should follow House and pass
landmark bill for women veterans
The Deborah Sampson Act would meet
need for expanded and improved VA care.
Veterans PTSD Assessments
Independent Medical Opinions PTSD DBQs
Thomas Grieder, MD, PhD
Twenty five years service as a VA psychiatrist
Assistant Professor and Associate Clinical Professor
UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Lead psychiatrist for the East Los Angeles PTSD Clinical Team
Trump Betrays the Military
His intervention in decisions about war crimes
undermines the moral standing of the armed forces.
The Law Offices of David Anaise, MD JD
Board Certified Physician/Surgeon Accredited Veterans Law Attorney Military Veteran
DRO, BVA, CAVC Appeals Nexus Letters Independent Medical Opinions
Has Your Claim Been Denied? Do you need an IMO or a DBQ?
You'll need to speak with an expert physician and then a veterans law attorney.
Why not speak with both at the same time?
(520) 219-7321 Free Case Evaluation (520) 219-7344
Medical Malpractice - Veterans 1151 Claims
VA Malpractice Attorneys Helping Veterans Harmed By The VA
Veterans Healthcare Rights - Federal Tort Claims -
VA Medical Malpractice Claims, Misdiagnosis, Hospital Negligence, Medical Errors
For a review of your VA malpractice case contact our lawyers today. Our firm serves throughout the nation, and is one of the few firms to have specialized experience in VA malpractice cases.
Call Now! (949) 640-8222
Key findings about America’s military veterans
The experiences of post-9/11 veterans differ from
those who served in previous eras. Post-9/11
veterans more likely to have been deployed,
seen combat, experienced emotional trauma
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Office of Inspector General
Inadequate Oversight of Contracted Disability Exam Cancellations
VBA reported that claims processors requested more than 1.3 million DBQ exams by contractors. During that same period, more than 137,000 DBQ exams were canceled, an increase of about 74 percent over the previous six-month period. MDE staff did not conduct adequate oversight of 137,273 contracted DBQ exam cancellations for 59,078 veterans from November 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018. MDE staff confirmed they did not validate whether contractors’ scheduling actions met contract requirements. Furthermore, MDE staff did not adequately monitor and analyze contractors’ reasons for exam cancellations, including no-shows. This was due, in large part, to MDE staff not having direct access to reliable data, and to staffing shortages within the MDE program.
Veterans Psych Evaluations
Brett Valette, Ph.D.
As an expert in psychological evaluations, Dr. Valette
provides Independent Medical Evaluations (IME),
Independent Medical Opinions (IMO), nexus letters,
ratings reviews for all psychological conditions.
Some Wounds Can't Be Seen
Google Tracks You
and we don't.
DuckDuckGo apps block
Google's hidden trackers.
The world needs an alternative
Robert Wilkie <robert.wilkie@va.gov> 855-948-2311
November 19th 2019
The 5 Best Perks of Social Security
Chances are that Social Security has your
back in more ways than you realize.
Get your VA medical records online
Our online tools can help you view, organize,
and share your VA medical records and personal
health information. Find out if you’re eligible
and how to sign in to start using these tools.
Scheduled For A C & P??? Filing A Claim?
This is a must read for you!!!
I've been posting this again and again over the years
and it's still one of the best ways I know to win
your case. Published in 2002 the principles and much of
the verbiage still applies and is in daily use at the VA.
How to download VA benefit letters
To receive some benefits, Veterans need a letter proving their status. Access and download your VA Benefit Summary Letter (sometimes called a VA award letter) and other benefit letters and documents online.
Pre-order, trade-in, hardware, software, accessories...
What more is there?
Other-than-honorable discharge?
You’re still eligible for VA mental health care
Presumptive Benefits...what are they?
When you claim that a disabling condition is caused by military service, you have to prove that allegation.
Or do you?
'How To Lie With Statistics'
Lodging & Camping in southern Illinois with access to the Shawnee National
We offer lodging, camping,
stabling, corral, pasture,
access to a hunting lease and
discounts for America's
military veterans!
How Do You Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?
Information on social security disability benefits
Top Searches
How to Fight VA Debt
Military members know that when DoD gives
you too much money, it will come back for it.
The VA is similar, but the system is worse.
Thinking of Filing a VA Disability Claim?
You need an IMO...Here's why;
We propose that veterans who are filing claims
take charge of the process, avoiding the flawed C & P exam report by having their own Independent Medical Opinion and DBQs completed by expert doctors who
are not employees of the VA. Although this brings about
an expense the veteran must bear, we believe that
any out of pocket expense is an investment toward
a faster claims resolution and is thus justified.
Keep Reading...
Urgent Care Centers
One of the most important benefits you have today is
the authorization to use an urgent care center
near to you. But first, you have to
to take with you. Don't wait until you need this
benefit to prepare for it. Read this now,
print your papers and be prepared!